New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson has been diagnosed with a broken right pinky finger ahead of the 2026 NBA Finals.
The injury creates a significant void in the Knicks' frontcourt defense as the team prepares for its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 [1]. Robinson is a primary rim protector, and his absence could alter the team's defensive strategy during the championship series.
Sources confirmed the injury Thursday night at the Knicks' practice facility in Tarrytown, New York [2]. The team has not provided a specific timeline for Robinson's return to the court [3]. This uncertainty leaves the coaching staff to determine if the center can play through the injury or if he will miss the start of the series.
Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals is scheduled for Wednesday [4]. The timing of the diagnosis puts the New York roster in a difficult position just days before the tip-off.
While the exact cause of the fracture remains unconfirmed, some reports suggest the injury may be linked to a play involving the Cleveland Cavaliers [5]. Other reports have emerged regarding Robinson's availability, with the NY Daily News stating he missed Game 2 due to illness rather than an injury [6]. However, multiple outlets, including CBS Sports, MSN, and Yahoo Sports, maintain the broken finger is the primary medical concern [3].
The Knicks have not released an official statement regarding the depth of their bench rotation to cover the loss of Robinson. The team's ability to secure the title now depends heavily on how they manage their interior defense without their starting center.
“Mitchell Robinson has been diagnosed with a broken right pinky finger”
The loss of a starting center in a championship series typically forces a team to rely on smaller lineups or less experienced reserves. For the Knicks, this injury disrupts their defensive identity and puts increased pressure on their remaining frontcourt players to maintain rebounding and rim protection against a high-caliber Finals opponent.
